Safety warning issued to Burmese citizens in Malaysia

The Burmese embassy in Kuala Lumpur has warned Burmese citizens in Malaysia to remain vigilant of their safety in the midst of heightened attention as a result of the ongoing migrant crisis.

A statement on Monday from the embassy urged Burmese nationals to be cautious to avoid “undesirable issues” as a result of “incitements and exaggerations among the international community regarding the current situation in Malaysia.”

Ko Thiha, an assistant at the embassy, told DVB that the officials issued the announcement to reduce the risk of trouble for Burmese nationals.

“The announcement was released just as a pre-emptive measure. We have not heard about anything likely to happen, but just wanted to remind Burmese nationals to remain cautious in case of any trouble,” Ko Thiha said.

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The announcement comes after a series of demonstrations took place outside the embassy. Groups including ethnic Rohingya and Malaysian NGOs staged rallies, beginning on 21 May, calling for the granting of Burmese citizenship to Rohingya.

Ko Thiha said a Burmese youth recently died in Malaysia when he was pushed off a taxi.

Last year Malaysian police arrested several people in connection the killings of more than 20 Burmese migrants.

Burma has recently come under international pressure over the plight of migrants in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. A summit between 15 countries to discuss the issue is being held in Bangkok on 29 May.